Stump-tailed Macaques (Macaca arctoides)
An interesting concept is discussed in this book about copulation of stump-tailed macaques. In a captive group of these monkeys, Frans de Waal observed females attempting to "suppress their partner's copulation grunts" if that partner was a subordinate in the group, so as not to attract the attention of the dominant male. Usually a threat was sufficient but one female was observed placing her hand over her partner's mouth. The discussion went on to note that this behavior could be described as intentional as opposed to some instinctual response.
"The Monkey Manual" by Dee Licek mentions the Stump-tailed macaque noting they are often called Red-Faced monkeys. Back in 1968, when this book was published, the Stump-tailed Macaque was 'the most popular of the Macaques kept as pets." It was said that these monkeys were erroneously called Miniature Chimps because they had no tails.
Lenore Brandt discusses the Stump-tailed Macaque, also called the Brown Stump-tailed Macaque, in her book, "Monkeys As Pets." The first edition of this book came out in 1951, 1964 being the last revision that I am aware of. Opie was a Stump-tailed Macaque belonging to Mrs. Margaret Osborne of Phoenix, Arizona. Mrs. Osborne was a past Vice-President of the Simian Society of America. Brandt writes, "As long as they are babies they are so charming an childlike in their docility and affection that many people acquire them not realizing that they will grow into large, sturdy, even sometimes rowdy adults. The time when they are easily diapered on account of their rudimentary tail, and thus don't mind being dressed up in cute finery, passes only too quickly. I have seen many Stumptails being donated to Zoos, where they grieve for their lost home, by their disappointed owners." Brandt was aware, even so long ago when private primate caretakers were not so well educated, that monkeys mature and too often become difficult for people to handle. She goes on to say, "Macaca actoides" should be acquired only if you can picture yourself as the owner of a large husky simian who likes to roughhouse, but even an adult will respond to kind treatment and be a loyal and devoted companion."
I hope this has given you much food for thought if you want to read more about the breed look for the following literature: To read more about the sexual behaviors of macaques, "Female Choices, Sexual Behavior of Female Primates" by
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